PLE Volunteer Spotlight: Georjo Tabucan

Profile written by fellow JFCY volunteer Arif Hussain.

Recently I had the opportunity to sit down and interview Mr. Georjo Tabucan about his volunteering experiences with the Public Legal Education Team here at JFCY thus far. Georjo comes from a diverse academic and professional background with a very keen interest in the field of law. Like some of our other volunteers, he also dreams of practicing law in the future and helping our community at large. Having interviewed Georjo I find that this article will be an excellent read for anyone interested in the field of law from any direction but especially for youth interested in volunteering or getting information regarding the practice of law from an earlier stage in life. So please enjoy everyone, happy read and happy new year!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are and what you are doing at the moment?

I am currently in my 1st year at Ryerson University pursuing a B.Comm. in Law & Business. I previously majored in Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo for my first two years of undergrad but I felt that living at home and of course studying right in the heart of downtown Toronto would provide me with more flexibility and more opportunities to explore the area of law through volunteering. I am also able meet with and learn from a plethora of lawyers in Toronto, which was more difficult during my tenure at UW. At the moment, I am simply trying to discover which areas of the law I am most interested in, and how I plan to inspire and motivate others, which is one of my main goals in life. 

How did you hear about JFCY and get involved?

During the summer, I held a position with the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Attorney General, and after my contract ended, I knew I wanted to continue my involvement with a legal organization at the start of the school year because the law is something I'm passionate about. So, in searching for a volunteer position, I came across JFCY on one of the Ryerson websites and I knew right then and there that it was the perfect organization that I wanted to volunteer with. My experience with JFCY so far has been amazing. 

What are your future plans in terms career choice and is the law a part of it?

I know I want to become a lawyer when I finish my undergraduate degree and complete my JD. Every morning, on my way to class, I observe all these successful lawyers in their suits on Bay Street walking to their respective law firms and I picture myself being just as successful as they are. When I'm not swamped with schoolwork, I like reading legislation and case law for fun...I guess it's sort of an obsession that I have. I am just so fascinated with the law and my motivation to learn about the law will never stop. 

You have been with JFCY for sometime now. Thus far, how do you find the work that the volunteers do here and do you think that PLE Team makes a difference?

The type of work that the volunteers contribute makes the PLE Team an essential committee of JFCY. We create meaningful videos and blog posts that each and every young person has access to. Not every child and youth is aware of their rights and it is crucial to spread the word and to start introducing them to what the law is and how they should conform to the rules and regulations implemented by our society in any way possible. Young people are our society's future, so teaching them about the law even at a young age is paramount if our Canadian population is to continue to live in harmony for generations to come. Digital media is without a doubt a powerful tool in instilling values to these young people and the volunteers on the PLE team are definitely making a difference in the lives of children and youth. 

How do you think the clinic overall benefits society at large?

Our society is comprised of a minor population of youth coming from low-income families who cannot afford legal representation during times of conflict. Organizations such as JFCY that offer free legal aid benefits our society, especially those low-income families, because without legal aid, there would be no justice and equity for our children and youth, which would therefore infringe children's fundamental rights. Every citizen of our nation ideally should have a right to legal counsel, and JFCY plays a huge role in our society by providing legal aid to our youth. 

What are your future plans with JFCY?

I would like to get more involved with JFCY because I honestly feel that children have a lot to learn that schools and parents may not teach them which the committee may be able to. Since the law is a complex subject and since not all children grow up with lawyers as parents or teachers holding degrees in law, there needs to be a way for children to at least know about what the purpose of the law is and why certain actions are accepted or prohibited. Personally, anything I can do to help further develop the committee's reputation and contribute to its continued success while making a difference in the community is what I am most looking forward to as a volunteer with JFCY. 

What would you like to say to any youth/adult (perhaps reading this) thinking of joining PLE Team?

To anyone interested in joining the PLE Team, I highly recommend that you apply because you'll be working with some amazing people, you'll be learning hands on about many areas of law, knowing that you're doing something to help shape the lives of children goes beyond a feeling of accomplishment. Volunteering with JFCY is truly unique and rewarding experience! 

This JFCY Volunteer Profile was written by fellow PLE volunteer Arif Hussain. To read more about Arif, check out a spotlight on him here: http://jfcy1.blogspot.ca/2012/12/volunteer-spotlight-arif-hussain.html

Volunteer Spotlight: Arif Hussain

 This JFCY Volunteer Profile is about volunteer Arif Hussain.  It was written by fellow JFCY volunteer Georjo Tabucan.

You know passion when you see it, and in the few months that I’ve been volunteering with JFCY, I’ve been using my detective skills in my quest to write about the perfect volunteer in this top secret volunteer profile. I can honestly say that my years of training in gathering information have paid off! Now allow me to share with you some really interesting information about Arif Hussain, a young man with a lot of passion (But remember, this is top secret!).

A recent English and Philosophy graduate from the University of Toronto, Arif Hussain is an active volunteer with JFCY - one of the founding members of the Public Legal Education Team whose inception began in 2010, as well as a member on the Board of Directors. I recently had the chance to speak to him regarding his experience so far with JFCY and how much the law means to him: 

Q:        Why did you decide to volunteer with JFCY?

A:        It is now my third year volunteering with JFCY. I had always been interested in law growing up but nothing specifically. Youth law stood out as something very important to me when I was taking high school law courses, perhaps because I was a youth at the time.   Anyways, in my second year [of university] I was advised by an academic coach that down the line professional and graduate schools will be looking at more than just  GPA or test scores. In searching for volunteer activities, I happened to come across a JFCY           posting on the UofT career website. The rest is history.

Q:        How long have you been with JFCY and what is your role within the organization?

A:        I started off as a volunteer with the Public Legal Education Team. It was very small at the time. I still remember my first meeting, there were 6 of us including the person in charge of the committee and staff lawyer with JFCY, Andrea Luey. For my work with the clinic, I was also elected as a member of the board of directors last November 2011. On the board we make decisions regarding the clinic in all its aspects. Outside of my degree, volunteering with this clinic has been the best education I have received thus far.  

Q:        What are your future goals, both personally and with JFCY?

A:        At the moment I am applying to law school. Becoming a lawyer had been my life long goal, since I was 8 to be exact but who's counting, right? I am very nervous about my law school applications and as result, I have applied everywhere. Ideally, I want to stay in the city and still regularly volunteer with JFCY but if that's not possible we have students out of the city who can send in blog posts or still help out in other ways, and I could do that as well. Regardless of what happens, I see myself continuing to work with JFCY.

Q:        How important is the law to you?

A:        Important doesn't even begin to cover it. I was interested in practicing law in Canada based on what I was seeing around me long before I could speak the English language when I first arrived here. I was 8 at the time. Everything I have done since then has been a preparation towards this end goal, including my involvement with JFCY to the undergraduate programs I chose. It is an obsession in many ways.

Q:        Why is it essential for children and youth to be aware of their rights?

            It's like this - we should always be at least aware of the rules governing any system that  we are a part of. Whether or not you are a pro at it, arguably most teens today have a  Facebook account. But before anyone learns to post or like anything, we quickly learn how Facebook as a system operates through various and very accessible means. When one learns a new language, one must first learn the rules of speech, grammar etc. I'm not suggesting that every youth go out and become a legal expert or get a law degree. But I    think everyone who is able, has a responsibility to themselves to be aware of the law. It's good to know a few things about the system we live in.

           

Arif is currently taking the year off to further explore the field of law in its practical setting, working at the ADR Institute of Canada, and wishes to work in social justice upon becoming a lawyer (you know, modern day superheroes who want to bring about change. That’s inspiring!). Aside from volunteering, working, and pursuing his legal interests, Arif likes to spend his free time working out at the gym, and keeping himself abreast with new technology and gadgets.

By now you probably realize that I’m not really a detective...or am I? (Just kidding) But in all seriousness, Arif is probably one of the most passionate people I have ever met and I wish him all the best in his applications to law school. He’s a cool and bright individual, if I do say so myself!

New Volunteer Opportunities at JFCY

JFCY Fall Volunteer Opportunities:

JFCY is seeking several volunteers to work on-site, with a chance to interact with staff lawyers, admin staff and clients.

Both positions require a minimum time commitment of one four-hour shift per week, at a designated time during business hours (9am-5pm) that is convenient for the volunteer.

Law Student/legal interns:

We are looking for law students who can commit to at least one 4 hour shift per week (during business hours, on a pre-scheduled consistent date, ie Wednesday afternoons).  The student will have a designated lawyer supervisor and obtain training. The students will assist our intake lawyer with giving legal information to clients (with a particular focus on civil recovery demand letters), doing immediate intake-related legal research and doing more longer-term research and other legal support tasks to assist the casework of the lawyer supervisor. We are looking for law students who are comfortable talking to clients on the phone, have good research skills and are able to commit to a specific half-day (or more!) per week this semester (and next, if you are able to).

Intake support/admin support (non-law students):

We are looking for responsible people who are comfortable talking to clients on the phone and are available for at least one 4 hour shift per week (but preferably more) on a consistent day of the week (ie Thursday mornings).  The volunteer’s main tasks will be: a) doing the initial client interview for new intakes (ie talking to new clients who are calling in for the first time, asking them various questions, writing out the information, putting it into our computer system and then forwarding all the info to our intake lawyer), and b) assisting our Admin staff with various data entry into our case management system.  The volunteer will be provided with extensive training and be supervised by our Admin staff.

Both positions require a minimum time commitment of one four-hour shift per week, at a designated time during business hours (9am-5pm) that is convenient for the volunteer.

If you are interested, please apply with a completed Volunteer Application Form and resume to Andrea Luey at lueya@lao.on.ca by September 10, 2012.  

Want to Volunteer at JFCY?

JFCY is accepting applications to volunteer on our committees.  The next deadline is September 21, 2012.

**If you are interested, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form and Membership Application Form and send to Andrea at lueya@lao.on.ca.

We appreciate all interest in volunteering for JFCY.  Unfortunately, there are limited spaces on our committees and we are not able to accept all applicants. 

Here is a list of the different committees:  

Public Legal Education Team: The group’s mandate is to create communications (you tube movies, pamphlets, newsletters, facebook, twitter, etc…) for young people to advise and inform them regarding youth-based legal rights. The Committee decides which issues are relevant, thinks of ways to convey the messages most effectively and then creates publications accordingly. We meet once per month and members complete projects on their own time. The group is comprised of high school students, post-secondary students, law students and community members. All committed volunteers are welcome. (For more on this Team, click here.)

Youth Action Committee (YAC): YAC is a group made up of youth (aged 13 - 17) from diverse backgrounds who bring their unique perspectives to address legal issues facing youth today.  We believe that youth have a right to be recognized as individuals under the law and to have their voices heard. YAC reaches out to the community and informs youth that they have legal rights and tries to connect them to the useful resources that are available. YAC is open to youth under age 18 only. This year, YAC will be run as part of the Public Legal Education (PLE) Team, acting as its youth voice. The YAC members of the PLE Team will have an important and unique role on the PLE Team. YAC is open to youth under age 18 only.

Fundraising Committee: aims to raise funds in a variety of ways to support the organization’s important work. All committed volunteers are welcome to apply.

Administrative Support: Volunteers assist Office Manager and support staff with various tasks in the office.

Policy Positions Committee: This Committee monitors and responds to political and legal issues of a youth justice nature that affect our clients broadly.  This Committee welcomes qualified scholars and professionals from various disciplines. It meets once a month. Volunteers undertake to do research, write materials, etc under the direction of lawyers from the clinic. This Committee has limited Membership; unfortunately not all interested people will be able to participate.

Parents supplying alcohol to minors

Scenario by PLE Team volunteer Jenny Li, Legal Info by JFCY

As Anthony walks around the crowded house checking out the scene, he hears the music pounding in his ears and the bodies dancing around him.

The contents of his cup slosh around as he navigates the house looking for the six-pack Jackson brought.

Stumbling happily into the kitchen, Anthony bumps into Mr. and Mrs. Johnson handing out jell-o shots to several of his already tipsy friends. “I want in!” shouts Anthony.

Downing the chaser, he becomes aware of shouting coming from the basement.

What is it? What’s wrong?

Someone runs into the kitchen followed by a stampede of other bodies and voices, all shouting, “Cops! Cops! They’re at the door!!”

Anthony stares up in a wild panic. “Hide! We need to go! Basement? Where??” In the panic, everyone looks towards Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, the parents who were present at the party, looking for some sort of direction.

Suddenly, there is knocking at front door along with a faint sound of sirens – perhaps the neighbours called the cops! “What do we do?” 

About the Law:

In this scenario, parents are hosting a party for their children and their children’s friends. The law says people under age 19 are not allowed to have, drink or purchase alcohol.  There is an exception in that parents are permitted to give alcohol to their underage children at home under parental supervision.

However the above situation is more complicated because there are friends of the children present. It is not clear whether the parents of those friends were aware this would happen and whether they consented to their children being given alcohol. This could get legally complicated…

Furthermore, if anyone was to get into an accident or become otherwise injured as a result of alcohol consumed at this party, the parents could be held legally responsible.  Finally, the Children’s Aid Society may have some concerns about children who are supplied alcohol by their parents.

Jenny Li was the first youth member of the PLE Team, which is now comprised of many dedicated youth. Jenny recently began her studies at Harvard.

JFCY Youtube Filming Day - Sana'

Hi, my name is Sana' and that was basically my first line as a narrator. :) I got involved in this "motion picture" because my sister, Chalak, works at JFCY and recommended that I volunteer because I really love Acting and Drama. Originally I was an extra and a friend of mine was supposed to be the narrator (a.k.a. STAR) but he couldn't make it and I have to admit that I'm a bit glad because doing all of this has been a lot of fun. This whole thing has been an amazing experience for me. :)

And please give a lot more respect to the actors you see on TV because filming is not easy and there are a lot of takes and bloopers, trust me, I know now. :$

If you like drama, acting or just need volunteer hours get involved with JFCY and their projects because it's a lot of fun getting to know different people, experiences new things and all the free pizza you can eat! (please don't only come for the food though, ;]

JFCY Youtube Filming Day - Nhai

I'm Nhai and i'm from Northern Secondary School, going to Rosedale Heights School of the Arts in September. I'm in grade 10 now and I got into the JFCY from an email connection. Being here on the set has been fun, watching people and being part of the video blog. Hope you can come and help us and teach youth about law and justice.

JFCY Youtube Filming Day - Pany

Hi, my name is Pany.  This is my first blog that I've ever written and I am very excited.  I am currently in grade 11 going into grade 12 in September.  I go to Central Technical School. I am involved in a program at my school called the LAWS program.  This program offers many exciting things such as law related classes, a higher knowledge of law and law summer job.  My summer job this year is at Justice for Children and Youth.  I work full time on weekdays for the month of July.  When working I was asked if I would like to participate in a youtube video that was being made, it's about civil recovery demand letters.  I am at the office right now, on set, we are starting to film for the video, and I am very excited.  I am very happy to be part of this committee, and i'm hoping that more people will volunteer for this opportunity.

Sexual assault in the world of dating

Blog post by volunteers Josh (U of T undergrad student) and Bianca (law student)

Scenario

Meet Annie: a normal 16-year old girl. She is smart, pretty, and well liked by both her peers and teachers.  And when popular jock Scott Herring asked her out, she agreed. She was nervous because she had never dated before, but was excited because Scott was very cute.

It was a Saturday evening. After promising her parents that she would return home by curfew, Scott, a senior, picked her up in his Honda Civic and drove them to a local drive-in theatre.

Upon arriving at the theatre, they found themselves surrounded by a sea of cars- and in each car a coupled pair. As the credits rolled and the movie began, Scott with his arm wrapped around her, urged her towards his body. “Let’s snuggle,” he suggested. Obliging, though awkwardly, she leaned her head on his shoulders as she had watched the heroine of the movie do the same. Yet while the heroine expressed love and happy feelings, all Annie felt was discomfort and fear.

Scott, however, had something else on his mind and with his arms still wrapped around her, began to slowly inch his hand downwards and towards her breast. He began to grope her. Annie distraught by the invasion of privacy said “Stop!” as she tried to ply his hands away. Scott continued to grope and feel.

“No!” Annie yelled, now trying to push him back so she could make a move for the door. Scott shoved her back down, gripped her firmly. Eventually, she yelled at the very top of her lungs until Scott let go and Annie ran out of the car.

What are the legal issues in this scenario?

Sexual Assault

In such a situation, Scott may be charged with sexual assault and made to attend court. In order for him to be found guilty, it must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Scott engaged in a sexual act without Annie’s consent, and intended to do so.

Consent

Consent means that a person agreed voluntarily to take part in the act. If one does not voluntarily agree, then there is no consent.

Even if one starts to take part in the sexual activity, they can decide afterwards that they don’t want to continue, meaning that there is no longer consent. After they communicate that they no longer consent, the other person(s) must stop immediately.

In Annie’s case, she yelled ‘no’ and tried to push Scott away, making it clear that she did not consent to any sexual activity with Scott. Disagreement to take part in a sexual act can be established by a person’s words or actions, or both.

Annie`s Rights

Anniehas every right to talk to the police and report the crime. The earlier you report the crime, the higher the chance that the police will be able to find relevant evidence.

The police will usually ask the victim to provide a statement and answer questions as to what happened before they investigate. If there is enough evidence, the police will produce a report recommending charges.

After going to the police, the victim has the right to receive regular updates from the police about their case and ask for special measures so they do not have to see the defendant if they are intimidated or vulnerable.

It is very common for a person in who goes through such an experience to experience a variety of different emotions, such as embarrassment, anger or shame. But a person in Annie’s situation should know that she or he is not alone as there are a variety of resources available to help deal with their feelings and offer advice:

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Assaulted Women’s Helpline: (416)863-0511, outside GTA: 1-866-863-0511

Justice for Children and Youth: (416) 920-1633, 1-866-999-5329 (outside GTA)

Scott`s Rights

Because Scott is under age 18, he must be dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He has the right to have his parent present when being questioned by the police.  He has the right to a lawyer.  He has the right to silence.

For more information on charges and procedure under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, check out these resources:

If you are young person in Ontario and you need a lawyer to represent you, call Legal Aid Ontario: (416)598-0200, 1-800-668-8258 (outside GTA), or Justice for Children and Youth (416) 920-1633, 1-866-999-5329 (outside GTA)

 For further reading on issues relating to sexual assault and youth, see these links:

 Teens and sexual assault (from the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres)

Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)

Calling all youth (12-18) for a fun VIDEO PROJECT!

Calling all youth (12-18) for a fun VIDEO PROJECT!

FREE FOOD/REFRESHMENTS and VOLUNTEER HOURS will be provided!

Justice for Children & Youth needs your help! If you are between the ages of 12 to 18, we would love for you to be part of our video project about Civil Recovery Letters. The purpose of the video will be to educate youth about civil recovery letters and the final product will be shown on Youtube and on our blog. 

The shoot will take place at the JFCY offices on July 19^th from 2pm to 6:30pm. Food and refreshments will be provided. Your involvement in this project can also be used towards your 40 hours of community service. 

For more information call 416.920.1633 and ask to speak with Andrea.

_____

Tracy Chen, JFCY Volunteer

National Volunteer Week 2011

JFCY would like to mark National Volunteer Week 2011 by acknowledging its amazing and dedicated volunteers. In addition to its small full-time staff and various academic placement students from local high schools and universities, JFCY is fortunate to have a variety of youth and adult volunteers to help us fulfill our mandate, most notably in the area of community development and public legal education. JFCY has had hundreds of volunteers over the years.

JFCY would like to thank its many YOUTH volunteers who are currently active, including:

Youth Action Committee: Cindy, Fiona, Martina, Mei Ling, Patricia, Rene, Rina, Sally and Shannon.

Public Legal Education Committee: Jenny, Yasmin, Adiba, Alisha, Arif, Diana, Jasmine, Jennifer, Lucas, Terence, and Tracy.

These volunteers bring energy, effort and context to the work that JFCY does. 

THANK YOU!!!!!

Guest Blogger: Volunteering at the JFCY Benefit!

Last November, JFCY held a benefit to raise funds for valuable programs that assist youth. We publicized the event on the JFCY blog here.

Guest Blogger Tracy Chen, a third-year Ryerson Journalism student volunteered at the JFCY Benefit and writes about her experience below. We'd like to thank all our volunteers and hope that all who attended enjoyed the event!

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 It was a great night of live music as the Gladstone Hotel was filled with people who were there to support Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY). 

Some of the talented musicians were Jen Schaffer and the Shiners, Bidiniband, Jack Connolly and the New Bend. There was also a silent auction with many generous donations of artwork, tickets and books. 

As the JFCY volunteer, I spent the night greeting guests at the door and wrapping up the lovely artwork that the supporters had won. I got to meet some people that allow JFCY to have invaluable programs such as Street Youth Legal Services and youth engagement. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I hope more youth come to the event next year. 

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FOR INFO ON THE 2011 JFCY BENEFIT GO TO OUR BENEFIT WEBSITE: http://www.jfcybenefit.com/